Flying Pig Part 2 - During

I took a quick hot rinse to wake up my blood. Got my clothes on and hair tucked into a hat [ponytail for the win!]

I ate my oatmeal/honey/blueberries, had a small drink of water and was out the door at 4:35am to meet up with the Sheehans, Anne’s sister and our friend Beth [whom I spent time in London with].

We arrived prior to our 5am departure and were able to take some pre-race photos of tees we had made to support our friend Mike, who is battling colon/liver cancer [successfully I might add!]. 

Myself, Tom & Anne giving Mike positive energy!

We parked the cars around 5:30am and made our way to Paul Brown Stadium where we all used the restroom prior to race time and it was somewhat warmer. The temp was mid-50s which is perfect running weather, but we needed long sleeves before we hit the pavement. There was also the chance for spotty showers, so I wore a baseball cap so I could see if I was getting pounded in the face with rain.

Kate [Anne’s sister], Beth, myself and Anne

We made our way to the Pig Pens - when we registered we enter our estimated finish time, so they divide up participants based on their pace; the faster you are, the closer you are to the start line. They went from A to H. I was in E - the biggest percentage of runners. Yay average! 

I waited about 15 minutes in my corral. 5 minutes before I took off my long sleeves and chucked them to the sidewalk [a lot of people do this and am fairly certain they donate the thrown out clothing to shelters]. Some bagpipes played “Amazing Grace” [?], the National Anthem was played, the sun began to rise and create a pink horizon over Paul Brown stadium and the horn was sounded - we were off! 

The race is amazingly organized and the amount of people who are along the course and cheering is fantastic. There is some form of entertainment at almost every mile - my favorite were the older women dance team in pink wigs and black catsuits early in the race. 

Half the spectators hold signs of encouragement which are fun to read - a popular sign reads, “Worst Parade Ever.” Clever but overused now. 

The worst part of the Pig is Mile 6 - Mile 8: uphill HELL. There is no way to prepare for it unless you train ON the course. Between miles 8 and 9 is when my sister Stephanie popped into view and I was the one shouting her down - what a great pick-me-up! Then not 30 yards later, there’s Tim! Seeing them gave me the boost I needed. 

Finally by mile 9.5 we reached the last of the inclines and hooked left onto Gilbert to head back downtown. This is all downhill and my pace picks up to under 10 minutes/mile finally. 

Right after mile 12 by the Horseshoe Casino there are about 6 showgirls in their saucy getups waving us all on. Really?!

Heading down Eggleston then the final sweep down Pete Rose Way was energizing though my body was starting to shut down. 

I could see the finish line probably 50 yards ahead and was feeling pretty good despite a sore bum and legs. I could feel the crowd surging and starting to cheer and didn’t understand what was happening - until I looked behind me... the front runner of the full marathon winner was approaching behind us in the next lane - ! I heard them call his name [Latino] and I saw him give his thanks to God above and he obviously passed me as I made my way to the Finish Swine. It was surreal. As I walked past all the news cameras were circled around him with his laurel leaf crown on - crazy! 

They circled us around US Bank to get our [heavy] medals and stations of food and drinks galore. All of us passed up the mylar wraps because we were so “warm” at the time - dumb - as our body temps dropped we were shivering - I found one on the ground and used it - it worked amazingly. 

The five of us all did great and finished very well - Yay! 

Stephanie was so inspired that we’re going to do the Hudepohl 14K [9 miles] in September together - can’t wait! 

Kate [the old Pro], Beth [1st Half wooo!], myself and Anne